A relatively common condition called hypothyroidism causes many symptoms associated with aging, such as fatigue, mood changes, memory lapses, decreased libido, and unexplained weight gain. Hypothyroidism—when the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream—slows your metabolism. Hormone replacement therapy for thyroid deficiency at our clinics in Baton Rouge, Metairie, and other locations in Louisiana and Mississippi helps minimize your symptoms.
The thyroid’s primary function is controlling metabolism, the process that transforms food into the energy used by the body. Controlling metabolism requires the thyroid to create the hormones T4 and T3, which also regulate the body’s temperature and heart rate. A healthy thyroid continually produces T4 and T3. The pituitary gland calibrates the amount created so a person doesn’t have too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism). Thyroid deficiency is diagnosed when the thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones.
The causes of thyroid deficiency vary. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease. Other causes include not having enough iodine (which the thyroid uses to produce hormones), inflammation, or hereditary reasons. Less common is a secondary condition affecting the pituitary gland.
Ensuring your thyroid is functioning well is an essential part of determining the proper hormone replacement therapy for you.
Hypothyroidism can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. It’s a common condition, particularly among women over age 60. Women are generally more likely to develop hypothyroidism after menopause than earlier in life. Men can also suffer from thyroid deficiency, which is sometimes linked to erectile dysfunction.
The list of physical symptoms associated with hypothyroidism is long and includes several conditions that could be signs of other ailments or hormonal imbalances. Some of the symptoms include:
Not everyone with a thyroid deficiency experiences these symptoms, and in some mild cases, the symptoms gradually fade on their own.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that could result from a thyroid deficiency, our hormone specialists in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and our other locations in Louisiana and Mississippi can determine if medically monitored hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Request a consultation using the online form or call (225) 960-1580 to schedule an appointment at one of our locations.
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